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Abstract:

A counterbalanced decklid hinge assembly for rotatably supporting a
decklid relative to a vehicle includes a torque rod extending between a
first hinge box and a second hinge box. A support member is rotatably
supported by each of the first and second hinge boxes. A linkage system
interconnects one axial end of the torque rod to one of the support
members, and is attached to the axial end of the torque rod in a manner
that allows for a straight axial end of the torque rod, i.e., requires no
bends. A lever is attached to and rotatable with the other axial end of
the torque rod, and is attached in a manner that allows for a straight
axial end of the torque rod, i.e., requires no bends.

Claims:

1. A decklid hinge assembly for a vehicle, the decklid hinge assembly
comprising: a first hinge box and a second hinge box spaced from the
first hinge box, wherein each of the first hinge box and the second hinge
box are configured for attachment to the vehicle; a first support member
rotatably attached to the first hinge box, and a second support member
rotatably attached to the second hinge box, wherein the first support
member and the second support member are configured for simultaneous
rotation about a rotation axis between a closed position and an open
position; a torque mechanism including: a first torque rod extending
between and rotatably supported by the first hinge box and the second
hinge box, wherein the first torque rod includes a first axial end and a
second axial end pre-loaded with a twisting moment relative to the first
axial end to generate a twisting torque; a first lever attached to and
rotatable with one of the first axial end and the second axial end of the
first torque rod and secured in a position relative to one of the first
hinge box and the second hinge box; and a first linkage system
interconnecting another of the first axial end and the second axial end
of the first torque rod and one of the first support member and the
second support member, and configured for transferring the torque from
the first torque rod to the one of the first support member and the
second support member to assist the simultaneous movement of the first
support member and the second support member from the closed position
into the open position.

2. A decklid hinge assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein the first
torque rod extends along a first rod axis, with the first axial end and
the second axial end disposed along the first rod axis.

3. A decklid hinge assembly as set forth in claim 2 wherein the first
hinge box and the second hinge box are disposed on opposing lateral sides
of a longitudinal axis, with the each of the first axial end and the
second axial end of the first torque rod extending outboard away from the
longitudinal axis beyond a respective one of the first hinge box and the
second hinge box.

4. A decklid hinge assembly as set forth in claim 3 wherein the first
lever includes a rotational locking mechanism rotationally securing the
first lever to the first torque rod.

5. A decklid hinge assembly as set forth in claim 4 wherein the
rotational locking mechanism includes an aperture defined by the first
lever and having a non-annular shape, in mated engagement with a first
extension of the first torque rod having a non-annular shape
corresponding to the non-annular shape of the aperture.

6. A decklid hinge assembly as set forth in claim 5 wherein the
non-annular shape of the aperture and the non-annular shape of the first
extension define a D-shaped configuration.

7. A decklid hinge assembly as set forth in claim 4 wherein the first
linkage system includes a torque link attached to and rotatable with the
first torque rod, and extending radially away from the first rod axis to
a distal pivot point laterally spaced from the first rod axis.

8. A decklid hinge assembly as set forth in claim 7 wherein the torque
link includes a rotational locking mechanism rotationally securing the
torque link to the first torque rod.

9. A decklid hinge assembly as set forth in claim 7 wherein the first
linkage system includes a connecting member having a first end rotatably
coupled to the torque link at the pivot point and a second end rotatably
coupled to one of the first support member and the second support member.

10. A decklid hinge assembly as set forth in claim 9 wherein the torque
mechanism further includes: a second torque rod extending between and
rotatably supported by the first hinge box and the second hinge box,
wherein the second torque rod includes a first axial end and a second
axial end pre-loaded with a twisting moment relative to the first axial
end to generate a twisting torque; a second lever attached to and
rotatable with one of the first axial end and the second axial end of the
second torque rod and secured in a position relative to one of the first
hinge box and the second hinge box; and a second linkage system
interconnecting another of the first axial end and the second axial end
of the second torque rod and one of the first support member and the
second support member, and configured for transferring the torque from
the second torque rod to the one of the first support member and the
second support member to assist the simultaneous movement of the first
support member and the second support member from the closed position
into the open position.

11. A decklid hinge assembly as set forth in claim 10 wherein the first
axial end of the first torque rod is disposed adjacent and outboard of
the first hinge box and the second axial end of the first torque rod is
disposed adjacent and outboard of the second hinge box, and wherein the
first axial end of the second torque rod is disposed adjacent and
outboard of the second hinge box and the second axial end of the second
torque rod is disposed adjacent and outboard of the first hinge box.

12. A decklid hinge assembly as set forth in claim 11 wherein the first
lever is attached to the first axial end of the first torque rod adjacent
the first hinge box, and wherein the second lever is attached to the
first axial end of the second torque rod adjacent the second hinge box.

13. A decklid hinge assembly as set forth in claim 12 wherein the first
linkage system interconnects the second axial end of the first torque rod
and the second support member, and wherein the second linkage system
interconnects the second axial end of the second torque rod and the first
support member.

14. A decklid hinge assembly as set forth in claim 13 wherein the first
hinge box includes a retention feature configured for securing the first
lever in position relative to the first hinge box, and wherein the second
hinge box includes a retention feature configured for securing the second
lever in position relative to the second hinge box.

15. A vehicle comprising: a body extending along a longitudinal axis and
defining an opening; a decklid coupled to the body and configured for
sealing the opening; a decklid hinge assembly rotatably attaching the
decklid to the body for rotation about a rotation axis between a closed
position and an open position, the decklid hinge assembly including: a
first hinge box and a second hinge box laterally spaced from the first
hinge box across the longitudinal axis of the body, wherein each of the
first hinge box and the second hinge box are attached to the body; a
first support member rotatably attached to the first hinge box, and a
second support member rotatably attached to the second hinge box, wherein
the first support member and the second support member are configured for
simultaneous rotation about the rotation axis between the closed position
and the open position; a torque mechanism configured for applying a
torque to the first support member and the second support member to
assist the simultaneous movement of the first support member and the
second support member from the closed position into the open position,
the torque mechanism including: a first torque rod extending between and
rotatably supported by the first hinge box and the second hinge box,
wherein the first torque rod includes a first axial end disposed adjacent
the first hinge box, and a second axial end disposed adjacent the second
hinge box; wherein the first axial end and the second axial end of the
first torque rod are pre-loaded with a twisting moment relative to each
other to generate a twisting torque; a first lever attached to and
rotatable with the first axial end of the first torque rod and secured in
a position relative to the first hinge box; a first linkage system
interconnecting the second axial end of the first torque rod and the
second support member, and configured for transferring the torque from
the first torque rod to the second support member; a second torque rod
extending between and rotatably supported by the first hinge box and the
second hinge box, wherein the second torque rod includes a first axial
end disposed adjacent the second hinge box, and a second axial end
disposed adjacent the first hinge box; wherein the first axial end and
the second axial end of the second torque rod are pre-loaded with a
twisting moment relative to each other to generate a twisting torque; a
second lever attached to and rotatable with the first axial end of the
second torque rod and secured in a position relative to the second hinge
box; a second linkage system interconnecting the second axial end of the
second torque rod and the first support member, and configured for
transferring the torque from the second torque rod to the first support
member.

16. A vehicle as set forth in claim 15 wherein each of the first lever
and the second lever include a rotational locking mechanism rotationally
securing the first lever to the first torque rod and the second lever to
the second torque rod respectively.

17. A vehicle as set forth in claim 16 wherein each of the first linkage
system and the second linkage system include a torque link, with the
torque link of the first linkage system attached to and rotatable with
the second axial end of the first torque rod and extending radially away
from the first torque rod to a distal pivot point laterally spaced from
the first torque rod, and the torque link of the second linkage system
attached to and rotatable with the second axial end of the second torque
rod, and extending radially away from the second torque rod to a distal
pivot point laterally spaced from the second torque rod.

18. A vehicle as set forth in claim 17 wherein each of the first linkage
system and the second linkage system include a connecting member having a
first end rotatably coupled to the torque link at the pivot point and a
second end rotatably coupled to one of the first support member and the
second support member.

19. A vehicle as set forth in claim 18 wherein the first axial end of the
first torque rod and the second axial end of the second torque rod extend
away from the longitudinal axis outboard of the first hinge box, and
wherein the second axial end of the first torque rod and the first axial
end of the second torque rod extend away from the longitudinal axis
outboard of the second hinge box.

20. A vehicle as set forth in claim 19 wherein the first torque rod
extends along a first rod axis, with the first axial end and the second
axial end of the first torque rod disposed along the first rod axis, and
wherein the second torque rod extends along a second rod axis, with the
first axial end and the second axial end of the second torque rod
disposed along the second rod axis.

Description:

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention generally relates to a hinge assembly for rotatably
supporting a decklid of a vehicle, and more specifically to a
counterbalanced hinge assembly having a twisted torque rod extending
between a pair of hinge boxes for applying an opening force to the
decklid.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Counterbalanced decklid hinge assemblies typically include at least
one torque rod that extends between a pair of hinge boxes. A support
member is rotatably attached to and supported by each of the hinge boxes.
One end of the torque rod is bent in a manner to engage one of the hinge
boxes, and the other end of the torque rod is bent in a manner to engage
one of the support members. The torque rod is twisted during assembly to
pre-load the torque rod. The pre-loaded torque rod acts as a spring to
untwist, thereby applying a torque to the support member to assist in
opening the decklid.

[0003] The amount of torque that the torque rod is capable of storing is
dependent upon the length of the torque rod, with the bent ends of the
torque rod reducing the overall effective length of the torque rod.
Furthermore, the bent ends of the torque rod induce bending stresses into
the torque rod, which decreases the durability of the torque rod.

SUMMARY

[0004] A decklid hinge assembly for a vehicle is provided. The decklid
hinge assembly includes a first hinge box and a second hinge box. The
second hinge box is spaced from the first hinge box. Each of the first
hinge box and the second hinge box are configured for attachment to the
vehicle. A first support member is rotatably attached to the first hinge
box. A second support member is rotatably attached to the second hinge
box. The first support member and the second support member are
configured for simultaneous rotation about a rotation axis between a
closed position and an open position. The decklid hinge assembly further
includes a torque mechanism. The torque mechanism includes a first torque
rod that extends between and is rotatably supported by the first hinge
box and the second hinge box. The first torque rod includes a first axial
end and a second axial end. The second axial end is pre-loaded with a
twisting moment relative to the first axial end to generate a twisting
torque. A first lever is attached to and rotatable with one of the first
axial end and the second axial end of the first torque rod, and is
secured in a position relative to one of the first hinge box and the
second hinge box. A first linkage system interconnects another of the
first axial end and the second axial end of the first torque rod, and one
of the first support member and the second support member. The first
linkage system is configured for transferring the torque from the first
torque rod to the one of the first support member and the second support
member to assist the simultaneous movement of the first support member
and the second support member from the closed position into the open
position.

[0005] A vehicle is also provided. The vehicle includes a body that
extends along a longitudinal axis. The body defines an opening. A decklid
is coupled to the body and is configured for sealing the opening. A
decklid hinge assembly rotatably attaches the decklid to the body for
rotation about a rotation axis between a closed position and an open
position. The decklid hinge assembly includes a first hinge box and a
second hinge box. The second hinge box is laterally spaced from the first
hinge box across the longitudinal axis of the body. Each of the first
hinge box and the second hinge box are attached to the body. A first
support member is rotatably attached to the first hinge box. A second
support member is rotatably attached to the second hinge box. The first
support member and the second support member are configured for
simultaneous rotation about the rotation axis between the closed position
and the open position. The decklid hinge assembly includes a torque
mechanism that is configured for applying a torque to the first support
member and the second support member. The torque assists the simultaneous
movement of the first support member and the second support member from
the closed position into the open position. The torque mechanism includes
a first torque rod and a second torque rod. The first torque rod extends
between and is rotatably supported by the first hinge box and the second
hinge box. The first torque rod includes a first axial end that is
disposed adjacent the first hinge box, and a second axial end that is
disposed adjacent the second hinge box. The first axial end and the
second axial end of the first torque rod are pre-loaded with a twisting
moment relative to each other to generate a twisting torque. A first
lever is attached to and is rotatable with the first axial end of the
first torque rod, and is secured in a position relative to the first
hinge box. A first linkage system interconnects the second axial end of
the first torque rod and the second support member. The first linkage
system is configured for transferring the torque from the first torque
rod to the second support member. The second torque rod extends between
and is rotatably supported by the first hinge box and the second hinge
box. The second torque rod includes a first axial end disposed adjacent
the second hinge box, and a second axial end disposed adjacent the first
hinge box. The first axial end and the second axial end of the second
torque rod are pre-loaded with a twisting moment relative to each other
to generate a twisting torque. A second lever is attached to and is
rotatable with the first axial end of the second torque rod, and is
secured in a position relative to the second hinge box. A second linkage
system interconnects the second axial end of the second torque rod and
the first support member. The second linkage system is configured for
transferring the torque from the second torque rod to the first support
member.

[0006] Accordingly, no bends in the torque rods are required to connect
the torque rods to either the hinge boxes or the support members. More
specifically, the levers connect one axial end of each torque rods to one
of the hinge boxes, and the linkage systems connect the other axial end
of each of the torque rods to one of the support members. The lever and
the linkage systems are attached to the torque rods in a manner that
eliminates any bends in the torque rod, thereby reducing and/or
eliminating any bending stresses in the torque rods. Additionally,
because no bends are required to secure the axial ends of the torque rods
to the hinge boxes and/or the support members, the overall length of the
torque rods may be maximized to fit within the cross vehicle packaging
restraints of the vehicle.

[0007] The above features and advantages and other features and advantages
of the present invention are readily apparent from the following detailed
description of the best modes for carrying out the invention when taken
in connection with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross sectional view from a side of the
vehicle showing the hinge assembly.

[0009] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view from a first angle of a
hinge assembly for rotatably supporting a decklid of a vehicle.

[0010]FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view from a second angle of the
hinge assembly.

[0011] FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view of a lever of the hinge
assembly.

[0012] FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view of a torque link of the
hinge assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] Those having ordinary skill in the art will recognize that terms
such as "above," "below," "upward," "downward," "top," "bottom," etc.,
are used descriptively for the figures, and do not represent limitations
on the scope of the invention, as defined by the appended claims.

[0014] Referring to the Figures, wherein like numerals indicate like parts
throughout the several views, a decklid hinge assembly, hereinafter
referred to as the hinge assembly, is generally shown at 20. Referring to
FIG. 1, the hinge assembly 20 is for a vehicle 22, and rotatably couples
a decklid 24 to a body 26 of the vehicle 22. The decklid 24 seals an
opening 28 defined by the body 26, such as for example, a trunk or cargo
area of the vehicle 22.

[0015] The body 26 extends along a longitudinal axis 30 between a forward
end of the body 26 and a rearward end of the body 26. The hinge assembly
20 rotatably attaches the decklid 24 to the body 26 for rotation about a
rotation axis 32. As shown, the rotation axis 32 is perpendicular
relative to the longitudinal axis 30 of the vehicle 22. However, the
relative positions between the rotation axis 32 and the longitudinal axis
30 of the vehicle 22 may differ from that shown and described herein. The
decklid 24 is rotatable between a closed position for sealing the opening
28, and an open position for allowing access to the opening 28.

[0016] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the hinge assembly 20 includes a first
hinge box 34 and a second hinge box 36. The second hinge box 36 is
laterally spaced from the first hinge box 34 across the longitudinal axis
30 of the body 26. Accordingly, the first hinge box 34 and the second
hinge box 36 are disposed on opposing lateral sides of the longitudinal
axis 30. Each of the first hinge box 34 and the second hinge box 36 are
attached to the body 26. The first hinge box 34 and the second hinge box
36 may be attached to the body 26 in any suitable fashion, such as for
example, with fasteners such as bolts and/or screws.

[0017] A first support member 38 is rotatably attached to the first hinge
box 34. A second support member 40 is rotatably attached to the second
hinge box 36. The first support member 38 and the second support member
40 are attached to and support the decklid 24 relative to the body 26.
The first support member 38 and the second support member 40 are
configured for simultaneous rotation about the rotation axis 32 between
the closed position and the open position to rotate the decklid 24
between the closed position and the open position. The first support
member 38 and the second support member 40 may be shaped in any suitable
manner, such as but not limited to the gooseneck configuration shown in
the Figures.

[0018] A torque mechanism 42 interconnects the first hinge box 34 and the
second hinge box 36 with the first support member 38 and the second
support member 40. The torque mechanism 42 is pre-loaded to assist in
opening 28 the decklid 24. The torque mechanism 42 is configured for
applying a torque to at least one of the first support member 38 and the
second support member 40 to assist the simultaneous movement of the first
support member 38 and the second support member 40 from the closed
position into the open position.

[0019] The torque mechanism 42 includes a first torque rod 44 and a second
torque rod 46. The first torque rod 44 extends between and is rotatably
supported by the first hinge box 34 and the second hinge box 36. The
first torque rod 44 includes a first axial end 48 that is disposed
adjacent the first hinge box 34, and a second axial end 50 that is
disposed adjacent the second hinge box 36. The first torque rod 44
extends along a first rod axis 52. The first rod axis 52 is disposed
along the longitudinal center of the first torque rod 44. The first axial
end 48 and the second axial end 50 of the first torque rod 44 are
linearly disposed and extend along the first rod axis 52, with each of
the first axial end 48 and the second axial end 50 of the first torque
rod 44 extending linearly outboard away from the longitudinal axis 30
beyond a respective one of the first hinge box 34 and the second hinge
box 36. As used herein, the term outboard is defined as disposed farther
from. Accordingly, the first axial end 48 and the second axial end 50 are
disposed farther from the longitudinal axis 30 than the first hinge box
34 and/or the second hinge box 36. As shown and described herein, the
first axial end 48 of the first torque rod 44 is disposed adjacent and
outboard of the first hinge box 34 and the second axial end 50 of the
first torque rod 44 is disposed adjacent and outboard of the second hinge
box 36.

[0020] A first lever 54 is attached to and rotatable with one of the first
axial end 48 and the second axial end 50 of the first torque rod 44. The
first lever 54 is secured in a position relative to one of the first
hinge box 34 and the second hinge box 36. As shown, the first lever 54 is
attached to and rotatable with the first axial end 48 of the first torque
rod 44, and secured in a position relative to the first hinge box 34. The
first lever 54 is rotationally fixed relative to the first axial end 48
of the first torque rod 44 such that rotation of the first lever 54
rotates the first torque rod 44.

[0021] A first linkage system 56 interconnects another of the first axial
end 48 and the second axial end 50 of the first torque rod 44, and one of
the first support member 38 and the second support member 40. As shown,
the first linkage system 56 interconnects the second axial end 50 of the
first torque rod 44 with the second support member 40. The first linkage
system 56 transfers a torque from the first torque rod 44 to the one of
the first support member 38 and the second support member 40. The torque
applied to the first support member 38 and/or the second support member
40 assists the simultaneous movement of the first support member 38
and/or the second support member 40 from the closed position into the
open position. As shown, the first linkage system 56 transfers the torque
from the first torque rod 44 to the second support member 40.

[0022] The first axial end 48 and the second axial end 50 of the first
torque rod 44 are pre-loaded with a twisting moment relative to each
other to generate the twisting torque that is stored within the first
torque rod 44. During assembly, the first lever 54 is rotated into
position and secured in that position relative to the first hinge box 34.
This rotation, about the first rod axis 52, twists the first torque rod
44 between the first axial end 48, secured to the first lever 54, and the
second axial end 50, secured to the first linkage system 56, thereby
generating the torque used to assist in opening 28 the decklid 24. The
first hinge box 34 includes a retention feature 58 that is configured for
securing the first lever 54 in position relative to the first hinge box
34. The retention feature 58 prevents the rotation of the first lever 54
in a direction that would allow the first torque rod 44 to untwist, and
also resists lateral movement away from the longitudinal axis 30 to
prevent unintentional disengagement of the first lever 54 from the
retention feature 58.

[0023] The second torque rod 46 extends between and is rotatably supported
by the first hinge box 34 and the second hinge box 36. The second torque
rod 46 includes a first axial end 60 that is disposed adjacent the second
hinge box 36, and a second axial end 62 that is disposed adjacent the
first hinge box 34. As such, the relative positions of the first axial
end 60 and the second axial end 62 of the second torque rod 46 are
reversed from those of the first torque rod 44. The second torque rod 46
extends along a second rod axis 64. The second rod axis 64 is disposed
along the longitudinal center of the second torque rod 46. The first
axial end 60 and the second axial end 62 of the second torque rod 46 are
linearly disposed and extend along the second rod axis 64, with each of
the first axial end 60 and the second axial end 62 of the second torque
rod 46 extending linearly outboard away from the longitudinal axis 30
beyond a respective one of the first hinge box 34 and the second hinge
box 36. Accordingly, the first axial end 60 and the second axial end 62
of the second torque rod 46 are disposed farther from the longitudinal
axis 30 than the first hinge box 34 and/or the second hinge box 36. As
shown and described herein, the first axial end 60 of the second torque
rod 46 is disposed adjacent and outboard of the second hinge box 36 and
the second axial end 62 of the second torque rod 46 is disposed adjacent
and outboard of the first hinge box 34.

[0024] A second lever 66 is attached to and rotatable with one of the
first axial end 60 and the second axial end 62 of the second torque rod
46. The second lever 66 is secured in a position relative to one of the
first hinge box 34 and the second hinge box 36. As shown, the second
lever 66 is attached to and rotatable with the first axial end 60 of the
second torque rod 46, and secured in a position relative to the second
hinge box 36. The second lever 66 is rotationally fixed relative to the
first axial end 60 of the second torque rod 46 such that rotation of the
second lever 66 rotates the second torque rod 46.

[0025] A second linkage system 68 interconnects another of the first axial
end 60 and the second axial end 62 of the second torque rod 46, and one
of the first support member 38 and the second support member 40. As
shown, the second linkage system 68 interconnects the second axial end 62
of the second torque rod 46 with the first support member 38. The second
linkage system 68 transfers a torque from the second torque rod 46 to the
one of the first support member 38 and the second support member 40. The
torque applied to the first support member 38 and/or the second support
member 40 assists the simultaneous movement of the first support member
38 and/or the second support member 40 from the closed position into the
open position. As shown, the second linkage system 68 transfers the
torque from the second torque rod 46 to the first support member 38.

[0026] The first axial end 60 and the second axial end 62 of the second
torque rod 46 are pre-loaded with a twisting moment relative to each
other to generate the twisting torque that is stored within the second
torque rod 46. During assembly, the second lever 66 is rotated into
position and secured in that position relative to the second hinge box
36. This rotation, about the second rod axis 64, twists the second torque
rod 46 between the first axial end 60, secured to the second lever 66,
and the second axial end 62, secured to the second linkage system 68,
thereby generating the torque used to assist in opening 28 the decklid
24. The second hinge box 36 includes a retention feature 58 that is
configured for securing the second lever 66 in position relative to the
second hinge box 36. The retention feature 58 prevents the rotation of
the second lever 66 in a direction that would allow the second torque rod
46 to untwist, and also resists lateral movement away from the
longitudinal axis 30 to prevent unintentional disengagement of the second
lever 66 from the retention feature 58.

[0027] The first lever 54 and the second lever 66 each include a
rotational locking mechanism 70 rotationally securing the first lever 54
to the first torque rod 44 and the second lever 66 to the second torque
rod 46. The rotational locking mechanism 70 may include any mechanism
capable of rotationally securing the first lever 54 and the second lever
66 to the first torque rod 44 and the second torque rod 46 respectively,
while maintaining the straight axial orientation of the first torque rod
44 and the second torque rod 46 respectively. In other words, the
rotational locking mechanism 70 rotationally secures the first lever 54
and the second lever 66 to the first torque rod 44 and the second torque
rod 46 respectively without bending the respective axial ends of the
first torque rod 44 and/or the second torque rod 46. For example,
referring to FIG. 4, the rotational locking mechanism 70 may include a
lever aperture 72 having a non-annular shape defined by the first lever
54 and/or the second lever 66. As shown, a lever barrel portion 74 is
welded or otherwise securely attached to the first lever 54 and/or the
second lever 66, with the lever barrel portion 74 defining the lever
aperture 72. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the lever aperture 72 is in mated
engagement with a lever extension 76 of the first torque rod 44 and/or
the second torque rod 46. The lever extension 76 includes a non-annular
shape that corresponds to the non-annular shape of the lever aperture 72.
As shown, the non-annular shape of the lever aperture 72 and the
non-annular shape of the lever extension 76 define a D-shaped
configuration. However, it should be appreciated that other non-annular
shapes may alternatively be used.

[0028] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the first linkage system 56 and the
second linkage system 68 are identical, with each including a torque link
78 that is attached to and rotatable with the first torque rod 44 and the
second torque rod 46 respectively. The torque link 78 extends radially
away from the first rod axis 52 or the second rod axis 64 respectively to
a distal pivot point 80, which is laterally spaced from the first rod
axis 52 and the second rod axis 64 respectively. The first linkage system
56 and the second linkage system 68 further include a connecting member
82 having a first end rotatable coupled to the torque link 78 at the
pivot point 80 and a second end rotatably coupled to the second support
member 40 and the first support member 38 respectively.

[0029] The torque link 78 of each of the first linkage system 56 and the
second linkage system 68 includes a rotational locking mechanism 84
rotationally securing the torque link 78 to the first torque rod 44 and
the second torque rod 46 respectively. The rotational locking mechanism
84 may include any mechanism capable of rotationally securing the torque
link 78 of the first linkage system 56 and the second linkage system 68
to the first torque rod 44 and the second torque rod 46 respectively,
while maintaining the straight axial orientation of the first torque rod
44 and the second torque rod 46. In other words, the rotational locking
mechanism 84 rotationally secures the torque link 78 of the first linkage
system 56 and the second linkage system 68 to the first torque rod 44 and
the second torque rod 46 respectively without bending the respective
axial ends of the first torque rod 44 and/or the second torque rod 46.
For example, referring to FIG. 5, the rotational locking mechanism 84 may
include a link aperture 86 having a non-annular shape defined by the
torque link 78 of the first linkage system 56 and the second linkage
system 68. As shown, a link barrel portion 88 is welded or otherwise
securely attached to the torque link 78 of the first linkage system 56
and the second linkage system 68, with the link barrel portion 88
defining the link aperture 86. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the link
aperture 86 is in mated engagement with a link extension 90 of the first
torque rod 44 and the second torque rod 46 respectively. The link
extension 90 includes a non-annular shape that corresponds to the
non-annular shape of the link aperture 86. As shown, the non-annular
shape of the link aperture 86 and the non-annular shape of the link
extension 90 define a D-shaped configuration. However, it should be
appreciated that other non-annular shapes may alternatively be used.

[0030] While the best modes for carrying out the invention have been
described in detail, those familiar with the art to which this invention
relates will recognize various alternative designs and embodiments for
practicing the invention within the scope of the appended claims.